Netflix Launches “Biggest Update in Netflix History” on TV Devices

Netflix has released an UI update today for Smart TVs, a handful of set-top boxes and Blu-ray players, as well as the PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360. This also happens to be the company’s “biggest update in Netflix history to [its] TV experience.” The new look consists of a more cinematic feel to it, which compliments the living room atmosphere that you’re watching Netflix content on.

As expected, most of the update is to the recommendation system in a new skin. Three large images for each show and movie will pop up that provide much more information about a certain title. There’s also shorter, more descriptive synopsis, allowing you to read about new shows more quickly.

As for the personalized recommendations, this can be based on your social network, viewing history or taste preferences that Netflix learns about you over time. There’s also a new smart search that will help you find the show or movie that you’re looking for more quickly than before. It works similar to how indexed search works on a computer. As you begin typing in a show or movie, Netflix will try and find the one you’re looking for as you type.

Netflix is making everything “more visual” for TV devices, mostly since you’ll probably be sitting on your couch a good ten or so feet away, making it difficult to read small text. With this update, Netflix makes it seem like the app is a part of your TV in a way, and provides a better TV experience in the living room.

The Netflix TV experience update rolls out starting today, but the company says it will take about two weeks to reach all TV devices. The update is for the PlayStation 3, PlayStation 4, Xbox 360, Roku 3, and new and future Smart TVs and Blu-Ray players. The Xbox One wasn’t mentioned, but Netflix did say that additional devices will be added at a later date.